Future Visits and Special Interest Days

Study Day – 25th February 2026

‘The Underground Railroad’

Hemingford Abbots Village Hall PR28 9AH

In the morning (coffee from 10.30am), Carole Pook will talk on ‘Harriet Tubman: her role in the Underground Railroad’.

After lunch, Kay Goddard will speak on ‘The Underground Railroad: Patterned Path to Freedom’

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that facilitated the escape of enslaved people from the Southern United States to free states, and eventually Canada.These routes were often marked by quilt patterns, which served as a form of communication and navigation for the fleeing people. The quilt codes were used to convey messages about routes, safe houses and strategies for the journey north. These patterns were not only practical for the quilting process, but also held symbolic meanings that helped guide the escapees. The Underground Railroad was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of those who sought freedom, and the quilt patterns played a crucial role in their journey. The patterns have their heritage in West African fabric designs.

As usual, we will offer morning coffee, a light lunch and afternoon tea.

The cost of the day will be £22.50.